If you are thinking of taking your pet abroad this summer then now is the time to act.

It takes more than six months to qualify for a pet passport so there is no time for delay.

Since the Government began the scheme in 2000, more than 140,000 pets have been overseas.

The passport avoids the need for a stay in quarantine.

However, despite its popularity, research by Saga Pet Insurance reveals that eight out of ten pet owners do not know how to obtain a pet passport.

And there have been some changes since its introduction.

So how do you go about obtaining a valid pet passport for your cat or dog?

* Have your pet microchipped.

* Have it vaccinated against rabies.

* Arrange a blood test - the best time for a blood sample to be taken is 30 days after your pet's rabies vaccination. The test must be done at a laboratory recognised by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

For animals being prepared in an EU country, you should get an EU pet passport. If you are preparing your animal in a non-EU listed country you will need to obtain an official third country veterinary certificate.

* The passport will become valid for entry or re-entry to the UK only six calendar months from the date that the blood sample that gave a satisfactory test result was taken.

* Before your pet enters/re-enters the UK it must be treated against ticks and tapeworm 24 to 48 hours before the journey and the treatment recorded in the EU pet passport or on the official third country veterinary certificate.

* Your pet must travel on an approved route.

* Some PETS countries have additional requirements.

* For full details on PETS and a list of eligible sea, air and rail routes log on to: www.defra.gov.uk